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Cheerleading/Adaptive Abilities Cheer

Cheerleading/Adaptive Abilities Cheer

About

Adaptive Abilities Cheer is tailored to athletes who have diverse physical abilities, ensuring a safe and supportive environment to perform and excel. Adaptive Abilities Cheer is designed for athletes with one or more of the 11 eligible impairments:

 

  • Impaired muscle power

 

  • Impaired passive range of movement

 

  • Limb deficiency

 

  • Leg length difference

 

  • Short stature

 

  • Hypertonia

 

  • Ataxia

 

  • Athetosis

 

  • Visual impairment

 

  • Intellectual impairment

 

  • Hearing impairment (included by ICU as participation grows)

 

Athletes in Adaptive Abilities Cheer perform side-by-side, demonstrating strength, resilience, and unity, while classification systems ensure fair, sport-specific participation. This program is more than competition; it’s a space where athletes can redefine their potential, inspire their communities, and connect in lasting ways.

 

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Equipment

Click here for ParaCheer equipment options.

Competition

Taking part in Adaptive Abilities teams and competitions gives people with disabilities the chance to be included in activities that were previously difficult to access. It helps develop increased confidence and self-esteem, helping to relieve depression. It creates an enhanced sense of control over their physicality and in some cases greater strength and coordination, assisting the rest of their day-to-day lives. Cheerleading also specifically teaches performance, communication, and leadership skills.

 

Competitions differ locally to internationally. Local rules differ by competition depending on the level of development in this category and can require only one disabled athlete up to many more, this is to help the sport grow.

 

Find out more on the US National Team Adaptive Abilities: Adaptive Abilities – USA Cheer

Learn More

Cheerleading is a diverse community of members. These athletes inspire and lead their communities through their teamwork, leadership and social relationships to a wider world of human talents and potential!

 

Through sports, ALL athletes find accomplishment, confidence, and fulfillment – on the playing field and in life.

Uniting athletes helps bond communities and understand relationships. Building confidence of athletes inspires and leads to better communities. Mental and physical health is acquired through access to sports.

Access to sports training and athletic competition for athletes with disabilities, their families, and communities will foster new strengths, abilities, skills, and success for everyone.

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Programs Near You

Ready to get started in Adaptive Abilities Cheer? Click here to find a location near you!